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CONFIDENTIAL

Approved for public release; distribution isunlimited.

Distribution authorized to U.S. Gov't. agenciesand their contractors;Administrative/Operational Use; 13 NOV 1966.Other requests shall be referred to AssistantChief of Staff for Forces Development (Army),Washington, DC 2031.

30 Nov 1978, DoDD 5200.10 AGO D/A per ltr 29Apr 1980

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GENERAL DECLASSIFICATION

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9ID S2II.1I t EXECUTIVE HIED 11652

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Subject to Geniral Declassificatiou Schedule of

Executive Order 11652-Automaticallj Downgraded at

2 Years Intervals-DECLASSIFIED ON DECEMBER 31

BY Defuse Dicmeitatiea Guter

leftist Sipply Ajeicf

Canrii Statin Aliiaitfria, Virfiiia 22314

m A" --

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The classified or limited status of this report applies

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Separate page printouts MUST be marked accordingly.

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE LAWS, TITLE 18, U.S.C., SECTIONS 793 AND 794. THE TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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THIS DOCUMENT IS BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE. THE COPY

FURNISHED TO DTIC CONTAINED

A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF

PAGES WHICH DO NOT

REPRODUCE LEGIBLYo

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Cocmanding General USAHV ATTN: AVC-DH APO 96307

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CONFIDENTIAL

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Headquarters and Headquarters Sattery 54th artillery Group main body

departed Fort Bragg, i«orth Carolin 7 September 1966 in two groups. One

group departed lope Air Force inse by military charter aircraft and flew

directly to din Francisco. The second 6roup w-s transported by commercial

bus to Haleigh - Durh'in airport and flew to San Francisco by commercial air-

craft. The two groups met .-.board the US3 Eutner. The Butner departed San

Francisco on the morning of 8 September 1966 and arrived at Vung Tau on 3G

September 1966. The main body deb-irked at Vung Tau and was transported by

C-123 aircraft to Xuan Loc on 1 October i960.

The advnce party departed Fort Bragg on 17 September 1966 ana ar-

rived at Tan Son Whut, Vietnam 20 September 1966. The advance party was

met and sponsored by HQ, II FFV Arty.

Organic vehicles and other TOJS equipment departed Fort Bragg 11 .august

1966 and arrived in Saigon 6 October 1966.

The 54th .artillery Group was staged in the base c-mp of the 2nd Bn,

35th Arty »t Auan Loc.

The 54th jrtillery Group b.came operational on 20 October 1966 it

Xuan Loc, Vietnam. The 2d Howitzer Battalion 35th artillery (155mm SP)

was assigned to the group at this time. B Battery of this battalion was

attached to the 1st Infantry Division for a series of operations in the Lai

Khe area, starting on 9 September 1966. Operation Shenandonh Wast was in

progress throughout the end of t;is reporting period. C Battery, 2d Bn,

35th iirty was in base c:unp "it Xu\n Loc during the period 20 October - 31

October 1966. A Satt ;iy, 2d Bn, 35th art; was -it f.'ui Dat with the mission

of General Support II Field Force Vietnam, reinforcing 1st Field Regiment,

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...oy.'.l Australian artillery during this same period.

This headquarters controlled the fires of A Battery, 2d Bn, 32d Arty

(a 175mm - 8" composits battery stationed at Xuin Loc) during the period

20 .- 31 October 1966.

All AhVN artillery units normally based in Xuan Loc departed en 21

October to participate in NATIONAL D -X ceremonies in Saigon on 1 November.

U battery, 2d Bn, lpt-h Artillery (105ßa towed) was noved to Xuan Loc on

20 October with the mission of reinfc'.'-_.ng 54th irtillery Group.

Since becoming operational, this headquarters has provided contin-

uous liaison representation to the 10th ARVJJ Division (CSCC).

The advance party of the 7th Battalion, 9th Artillery arrived in

Vietnam on 12 October. The adv-nce party of the 1st Battalion, 83d Ar-

tillery arrived on 2i. October. These battalions will be assigned to t'.s

group u; on becoming operational.

SECTION II

Commander's Observations and Recommendations

I-art 1. Observation:

A. Fersonnel

-juarterinfe of Troops Aboard Ship

\, ^tem: Assignment of troop quarters

Discussion: Troop compartments were not assigned so as to maintain unit

integrity aboard ship prior to the arrival of units at Oakland iray Ter-

uiiiuil, even though each unit submitted troop manifests in advanca of de-

parting home station.

Observation: This caused much confusion and changing of compartments

aiacng a number of units to obtain unit integrity.

CONFIDENTIAL

;>■ CONFIDENTIAL ./ , Personnel Section

.Itcnj. Kl&a»:in& lor personnel sections prior to vrriv-ii in Vietnam.

OAscussion: This headquarters planned prior to arrival in Vietnam not

to consolidate the personnel sections of the group headquarters and its

assigned .artillery battalions.

Observation: Upon arrival in Vietnam the adv nee party discovered that

transportation problems for incoming personnel ana outgoing personnel for

normal rotation purposes and R &. R purposes prohibited the units in the

yruup from maintaining personnel sections separately. The probi-ms ox-

getting payrolls to -\nd from fin-'neo centers posed the same transport-

ation prooleir.s. The geographic 1 location of USAEV headquarters, the

next higher headquarters administratively, Also caused transportation

problems for separate personnel sections, accordingly, a consolidated

Group Personnel Section was formed.

B. Operations:

Co.-yp-ind i-ind Control

Item: Helicopters

Discussion: iiinca this group became operational on 20 October, there

hive been incessant requirements for helicopter transportation. None

of the roads loading out of the town where the group headquarters is

based are secure for single vehicle travel.

Thara have bean daily requirements for command, liaison, and opera-

tional control visits to subordinate units, which hvve base camps remote

from this headquarters, .dditiomlly, at least one battery has bo9n

away from its base camp continually during the period.

Neither the group headquarters nor the assigned battalior.3 have

assigned or attached aircraft.

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Observation: lack cf organic helicopters seriously hampers accomplish-

ment of the Group's mission.

AN/'IRC-^ "A;-i" E---.riio .ntennas

^ lt:££i. Use of auxiliary antenn,' for efficient GOimuni cat ions between

U'T/CKC-46 "au" Radios.

Pis cuss ion: The vehicular vMp antenna, issued as the only component

Antenna to the Ai:/üi..C-46 "Aii" i^.dio, is not sufficient -.3 a sin6le .".11

purpose antenna when operating in the changing atmospheric conditions

of Vietnam, fhe vehicle whif auten*? operates s -tisf :vctoriiy only when

ideal conditions exist, ami only when utilizing voice and CVf transmis-

sions. Oix the other tr-nd, the iQ'/CALi-k mtenaa Croup (FS1: 59^5 244

5147) feives excellent results in obtaining, tped. sound signals, and in

affording clear TT print when usi% KTT emission with security equip-

ment.

Observation: i'he All/GRA-4 antenna Group can be obtained «s a separate

issue item, by ^xvxn^ adequate justification when requisitioning.

The "Doublet" -intenna su\y be employed as a field expedient, to ob-

tain satisfactory KTT print, but will rot give 36G decree coverage, as

will the AN/GhA-4 --.ntenna.

hodific-ition of Tr.bies of Qr^nizrtion ar-d 4:;uimant

5* Stem: Modification of T0i)'s

• - .Discussion: fcany units :.re finding it necessary to modify tables of

organization vnd equipment for effective operation in Vietnam. This

headquarters h-.-S, >.rtillery battalions .ssit-ned :na consequently is re-

aponsibl« i'ov administrative *n'I logistic 1 functions of its subordinate

units as well *=s provision of tactical control of then. TO^ 6-4GLS

COMFlDEMTifii

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does not provide sufficient personnel and equipment to carry out these

odoinis'tr'.'tiva and logistical rDsponsibiiities. ß re.uest to modify

the TOi was submitted on 29 September 1966. B major change was in-

clusion of •m üvi.tion section.

Observation! Department of the /irmy could make available to a unit upon

its bein& alerted the MTOi of a like unit presently in South Vietnam..

The unit, upon ..rriv.il in Vietnam would then be able to prepare and sub-

mit more expeditious ly its MTOji.

C. Intelligence:

Visual hoconnaissance (VR)

I Item: Visual heconnaissanca

Discussion: The'most positive target acquisition means, available to

separate artillery groups and battalions, is visu .1 reconnaissance with

the 0-1 aircraft as the VII vehicle. Ground observation effectiveness is

reduced due to the heavy vegetation .ad jungle. I'-roper employment of the

VII program gives a thorough knowledge of the terrain that would other-

wise not be available. This knowledge increases the effectiveness of the

group in directing lires and contributes to a productive harrassmant end

interdiction program. foi1 maximum effectiveness the following points

h've been helpful:

1. Observers have been assigned specific areas of coverage with a

&oal of daily observation of each area.

2. registrations are fired usin6 the observer from the fire unit

roistering.

3. Aircraft and VR tines should be coordinated and controlled by

the» Group S2 to insure maximum area coverage daily.

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Observation: The VR program is hampered by the leek of organic aviation

capability and night vision devices. All artillery units deploying to

this theater must retain their aviation sections if an effective target

acquisition ana surveillance program is to be realized.

D, Logistics:

1 Item: Preparation for Overseas Movement

Discussion: Troops off-loodin& at Vung Tau ;i.re normally separated from

their iuiD TAT equipment for several days after arrival in Vietnam. The

implementation of AR 220-10 by CGHJS transportation agencies precludes

u:dts from carrying, certain essential end some desirable items as YJILLCW

TAT. height allowances should be increased to allow inclusion of the

following items in YELLOW TAT: GP tents, cots, armor vests, mosquito

nets," ai'imunition, C rations, ana mess equipment.

Observation: Until off-loading facilities permit ".11 TAT shipments to

actually accompany troops throughout deployment, there should be an

increase in the allowance of XoLLOw TAT shipnents from CO'.'JS.

Generators, 60 Kw or Lir^er

^ Item; TOJS for an 'irtillery Group Headquarters authorizes no generators

10 Kvr and larger.

Discussion; .In Vietnam the electrical requirements for an artillery

i,roup he-ad^uarters exceeds 50 Kw. The unit mess alone requires 10 Kw

to run the refrigeration unit, .mother 15 Kw generator is required to

j.ower the perimeter lights and operations building at night. If troops

are to h^va lights in the billets an additional 15 Kw is needed. Maint-

enance facilities, electric typewriters, copiers and other administrative

functions consume fron 10 to 15 Kw. A combination of smaller generators

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(.5 Kw to 3 Kw) have proven too fragile and will net operate satisfactor-

ily over prolonged periods.

Observation:. It is essenti-xl th-1 vn artillery youo head'Ai:'.rto:.s be

augmented with a sixty kilowatt generator while in Vietnam.

Fart II. Recoaiandations:

1. ohipboc'.rd troop billet ussigrments be confirmed batwaen port

authorities and ship's craw before troops bard.

2. iV:ijor subordinate units consolidate personnel sections in a

&eo-br.'.phic loc tion near replacement depots, embarking and debarking air-

ports, finance centers, ano. chair next higher headquarters to facilitate

their operations and reduce their transportation requir^ients.

3- One UH-1 type helicopter and one OH-23 type helicopter be

i ' assigned or attached to the &roup headquarters. One OH-23 ^ypa heli-

copter be assigned or attached to each battalion -ssigned to the £,roup.

4. Units authorized ;iodio, AM, AN/GftC-46 submit requests for

.ntenna Group, AN/üRA-4 prior tj departing COMUS.

5. kTOti's of units in Vietnam be made -available to like units

in COi'iUS upon receipt of lert for deployment to Viutnar..

6. S ch artillery &roup he-id^uarters be provided with three

0-1 type aircraft and each artillery battalion with two 0-1 type air-

craft.

7. Yellow disc TAT authorizations for units deploying to Viet-

nam bo ii-croised.

8. T0.i's be ugmented to provide sufficient electrical output

for uach artillery unit before ue,>arting CGRJS,

Colonel, .irtillery Commanding

CONFIDENTIAL 2

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AVFB-FACO (13 Nov 66) 1st Ind SUBJECT: Operational Report for Quarterly Period ending 31 October

1966, RCS-CSFOR-65 (U) 2 2 NOV 19P6

DA, HQ, II FFORCEV ARTY, APO 96266

THRU: Commanding General, II Field Force Vietnam, APO 96266

Commanding General, USARV, ATTN: AVC-BH, APO 96307

Commander-in-Chief, USARPAC, ATTN: GPOP-MH, APO 96558

TO: Assistant Chief of Staff for Forces Development, Department of the Army, Washington, D. C. 20310

1. (U) The quarterly report submitted by the 54th Artillery Group is considered adequate.

2. (U) Reference Section II, Part I A. The 23d Artillery Group has maintained a consolidated group personnel section for more than one year in Vietnam. This section has operated with considerable success, and a similar section such as the 23d and 54th Groups have organized is recom- mended for other artillery groups operating in Vietnam.

3. (U) Reference Section II, Part II, paragraphs 1 and 2; concur.

4. (C) Reference Section II, Part II, paragraphs 3 and 6. This head- quarters strongly concurs in the recommendations contained in these paragraphs. The lack of helicopters seriously hampers command and control of widely dispersed artillery units. Target acquisition i.nd ob- served fire capabilities are seriously impaired by the lack of observa- tion aircraft. The recommended allocation is considered the minimum aircraft required to support these requirements. The group and battalions have initiated Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) action to request these aircraft. This recommendation was also included in the Operational Report of this headquarters, dated 14 November 1966 and includes an explanation of actions taken to provide aircraft support for artillery units.

CONFIDENTIAL

LOG NO> Copy No.

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CONFIDENTIAL

AVFB-FACO (13 Nov 66) Istind SUBJECT: Operational Report for Quarterly Period ending 31 October

1966, RCS-CSFOR-65

5. (U) Reference Section II, Part II, paragraph 4; concur.

6. (U) Reference Section II, Part II, paragraph 5; concur. The prob- iems encountered by one unit in Vietnam requiring an augmentation to its TOE will generally apply to other units organized under the same TOE. This headquarters will endeavor to make this information available to artillery units deploying to RVN for employment with II Field Force Vietnam Artillery.

7. (U) Reference Section II, Part II, paragraph 7; concur.

8. (U) Reference Section II, Part II, paragraph 8. It is not desir- able to augment TOE of Artillery Units for additional electrical power sources before departing CONUS, as all requirements are not the same; however,provisions are made for the unit to request a power require- ment survey after arrival in-country and then to request the proper gen- erator to support the requirement.

9\ GEORGE R. ALLIN, J»!. Colonel, Artillery Commanding

f CONFIDENTIAL

(;( CONFIDENTIAL

AVFBC-H (22 Nov 66) 2nd lud SUBJECT: Operational Report for Quarterly Period "riding 31 October

1966 (RCS-CSFOR-65 )(U) $1*4 if)r**tt 8 JAH ISS? DA, EQ II Field Force Vietnam, APO San Francisco 96266

TIIRU: Commanding General, ÜSARV, ATTN: AVC-DH, APO 96307

Commander in Chief, US Army Pacific, ATTN: GPOP-MH, APO 96588

TO: Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Developmsnt, Dept of the Army, Washington, D.C.,20310

1. The Operational Report-Lessons Learned submitted by the 5^th Artillery Group for the quarter ending 31 October I966 is forwarded herewith.

2. This headquarters has reviewed subject report and the 1st Ind and concurs with the comments and action taken as stated in the basic report and the 1st Ind.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

1 Incl nc

\VAY/E D. BLANTON ,\VO.W1, USA Acting Asst AC

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.! COrJFIDEriTIAL

AlEGC-BH (13 Vov 06) 3d Ind SÜE</ECT: Operational P-apcrt-L-ssons Learned for the Period Ending

31 October 1966 (ECS CSFOR-65)

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES AREY VIETNAM, APO San Francisco 963072 9 JAN 1967

TO: Coasander in Chief, United States Army, Pacific, ATTK: GFOP-OT APO 96553

1. This headquarters has reviewed the Operational Report-Lessons Learned for the period ending 31 October I966 from Headquarters, 54th Artillery Group as indorsed.

2. Pertinent consents are as follows:

a. Reference Paragraph B, Part I, Section II, Itea: Helicop- ters} Paragraph 6, Part II, Section II; and Paragraph 6, 1st Indorse- ment: The requirement for aviation support for the 54th Artillery Group is recognised; hovever, all available USAEV assets have been expended. Until additional assets becoms available, aviation support must continue to be provided on a mission basis from present resources. Aviation requirements are being continuously evaluated and at such times as additional aircraft are received the needs of the 54th Artillery Group will be given careful consideration.

b. Reference Paragraph C, Part I- Section II, Item: Visual Reconnaissance: DA has directed that Oombat Support c::.i Crr.bat Ser- vice Support unit~ vail deploy at 0 manning level» The units have not had their aviation sections deleted from the TOE. This headquarters has requested additional fixed wing aircraft for support of Combat Support and Combat Service Support units, uhen sufficient assets become available, support aircraft will be issued commensurate with aircraft availability and within e:dt»ting priorities.

c. Reference Paragraph 4, Part II, Section H, Page 8 and Paragraph 5» 1st Indorsement: Concur.

d. Reference Paragraph 7, Part II, Section II: This office ha.:, no objection to increasing yellow disc TAT as recommended when- ever feasible. However, in most instances cargo space aboard troop ships will not permit more than the minimum essential personal baggage

AGGRADED UMfXASSiFJED WHEN S21'AH<VfßD PROM CLASSIFIED IMUQWHES rCONFibt'KTlÄL

CONFIDENTIAL

AVEGG-BH (13 Kov 66) SUBJECT: Operational Report-Lssscns Learned for the Period Er.ding

31 C^'obsr 1966 (K3 CS70E-65)

and yellow disc organizational equipment. Sven more restrictive will bö air deployaants. Problcas experienced in the past because of delayed receipts en organizational equipment are diminishing w.th improved shipping and port discharge and clearance capabilities.

e. Reference Paragraph 5» Part II, Section II and Paragraph 6, 1st Indorsement: inOS requirements prior to deplojaent are not processed at this headquarters*

FOR THE COlfliANDSR:

% Lt, AGC Assi Acjatast Gtt,i«&!

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:« CONFIDENTIAL'

GPQP-OT(13 Nov 66) 4th Ind (U) Operational Report-Lessons Learned f< 31 October 1966 (RCS CSFGR-65), HQ 54th Arty Gp

SUBJECT: Operational Report-Lessons Learned for the Period Ending "366 '

HQ, US ARMY, PACIFIC, APO San Francisco 96558 24 FEB 1Cp

TO: Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development, Department of the Army, Washington, D. C. 20310

This headquarters concurs in the basic report as indorsed.

FOR THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF:

SKFAKATED PROM C'-ASSmKD IilCLOSUKJKS) >4

( CONFIDENTIAL ";

THIS REPORT HAS BEEN DELIMITED

AND CLEARED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

UNDER DGD DIRECTIVE 5200,20 AND

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